Picnicking

Heritage Oak is a popular spot for enjoying a meal outdoors because there are several locations to choose from. For food, our guests are invited to either bring their own food or purchase the food provided in one of our picnic bags. Inside each of our bags is a light meal for two, including: a stick of salami, small block of cheese (3 to 4 oz.), a package of crackers, two apples and two bottles of water. The bag also comes equipped with a table cloth, two napkins, two wine glasses, a cork screw, a paring knife and a cutting board. The bags may be reserved in advance or simply picked up at the tasting room, if available. The price, $20, covers the cost of the food and use of the bag (please return gear and backpack when done). Wine is sold separately.

We have a few spots for you to choose to relax and picnic: our beautiful and relaxing front patio (watch the Hummingbirds zoom around!), out back under the shade of our huge fig tree, or down at the river (picnic tables set up there).

Hiking

We are fortunate to have a lovely hiking trail from the winery down to the Mokelumne River. The trail starts at the winery. Park your car beneath the giant blue oak, then visit the tasting room to let us know you will be going for a walk. We have a brief sign-in procedure to keep track of visitors who access the property, asking for name, address, contact info, etc. (Please note this is not used for marketing purposes.) If you have not visited the property before and are unfamiliar with it, please be sure you get a copy of our map. Please Note: It is very important that you stay on Heritage Oak property and not mistakenly wander onto the neighbors’ property. While we are inviting visitors to explore, they are not. Access to our trail is also only available during business hours, asking guests to be back by closing of the winery (5pm).

From the parking lot, follow the sign that leads you southward down a dirt path between the vineyards. On your right are Chardonnay vines, on your left are Petite Sirah. As you approach the trees, notice the small white and blue sign indicating the Trail. From here, the trail makes a complete loop which you may begin by going either to the right or to the left. Keep an eye out for additional signs like this one as you go along and you should have no problems.

Birding

Heritage Oak is a popular spot for birding. Apart from the numerous species that are attracted to the front patio and its adjacent garden, the vineyards, the riparian woodland and the river provide habitat for hundreds of species. Monthly birding events, called Bird Walks, are held under the guidance of David Yee. The cost is $20 per person. To make reservations call David at (209) 329-5490 or email at birdmanyee@gmail.com. Check our calendar of events for the upcoming schedule. Also, pick up a copy of our Bird List while in the tasting room. This list is updated each month, recording what was identified at each regular birding event with new species added.

Kayaking

Heritage Oak is conveniently located approximately half way between the fish hatchery below Camanche Reservoir and Lodi Lake Park. Kayakers use Heritage Oak as either as take out point, when paddling down from the fish hatchery, or a launching point, when headed down to Lodi Lake. There is no fee for launching or taking out when wine is purchased. If no wine is desired, there is a $15 per person charge.

If interested, please contact Tom by calling his cell (209)986-2763 or email him at tom@heritageoakwinery.com to set up a date and time for your kayaking.